Role

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Composer

Birth

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1954

 

Paul Carey was a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on May 16, 1954, in New York City, Carey grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a very young age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which gave him a diverse musical background. Carey began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano and music theory with his mother. He showed a natural talent for music and quickly progressed, eventually studying composition at the Juilliard School in New York City. While at Juilliard, Carey studied with some of the most prominent composers of the time, including Milton Babbitt and Elliott Carter. After completing his studies at Juilliard, Carey began his career as a composer, quickly gaining recognition for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. His early works were characterized by their use of complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as their incorporation of electronic and computer-generated sounds. One of Carey's most notable early works was his 1982 composition "Piano Concerto," which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. The piece was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and helped establish Carey as one of the leading composers of his generation. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Carey continued to produce a steady stream of innovative and groundbreaking works, including his 1986 composition "String Quartet No. 1," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet. The piece was notable for its use of unconventional playing techniques, such as plucking and bowing the strings simultaneously, and its incorporation of electronic sounds. In addition to his work as a composer, Carey was also a respected music educator, teaching at several prestigious institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music and the University of California, Berkeley. He was known for his passionate and engaging teaching style, and many of his students went on to become successful composers in their own right. One of Carey's most notable later works was his 2005 composition "Symphony No. 2," which was commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The piece was notable for its use of unconventional instrumentation, including a large percussion section and a choir, and its incorporation of elements of jazz and rock music. Throughout his career, Carey received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a MacArthur Fellowship. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Sadly, Carey passed away on January 13, 2016, at the age of 61. However, his legacy as one of the most innovative and influential composers of his generation lives on through his music and the countless musicians he inspired.

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